Project 693 - Presentation (Part One)


The following is the foundation of the Memories Matter Learning Series. I look forward to feedback.

Learning Theory - This presentation is based on Knowles Andragogy Model and Narrative Learning

A.. Knowles Andragogy Model is based on a set of six assumptions:

1. " As a person matures, his or her self-concept moves from that of dependent personality toward one of a self-directing human being.
2. An adult accumulates a growing reservoir of experience, which is a rich resource for learning.
3. The readiness of an adult to learn is closely related to the developmental tasks of his or her social role.
4. There is change in time perspective as people mature - from future application of knowledge to immediacy of application. Thus an adult is more problem
centered than subject centered in learning (Knowles, 1980, pp.44-45)....
5. The most potent motivations are internal rather than external....
6. Adults need to know why they need to learn something (Merriam, Caffarella, Baumgartner, 2005, Pp. 84))."

B. Narrative Learning

 "Narrative knowling...is concerned more with human meaning than with discrete facts, more with coherence than with logic, more with sequences than with catergories, and
more with understanding than with predictability and control (Merriam, Caffarella, Baumgartner, 2005)."

"Using stories to engage students in ideas that are part of course content may be the only way to allow understanding to occur. It is also a powerful means of making connections not only with ideas but with other learners, perhaps ultimately creating a learning community. Whether these stories are generated by students themselves, are case studies, or are fictional accounts, they draw us in, they allow us to see from another's perspective. In today's multi-cultural classrooms we cannot assume the rest of the world see things the way that we do. "The authenticity and immediacy of a story of lived experience takes us into the experience of another. In that way it deepens and expands our capcity for taking the perspective of another (Merriam, Caffarella, Baumgartner, 2005, Pp. 210)."

Learning Series Description

When older adults reminisced forty years ago it was believed a sign of dementia and it was ignored, discouraged or belittled. Today, we know that reminiscence is an important part of human development and there are many resources available for people who are interested in reminiscence. This learning series brings caregivers together with information about how reminiscence can influence well-being and improve communication between themselves and the person(s) they care for.

Learning Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the Memories Matter Learning Series include:

  • To provide a broad understanding of Reminiscence and its use in working with older adults
1. Learner will be able to articulate at least two forms of cuing for memories
2.
  • To provide support to older adults and their caregivers

Course Management System

This course will occur through the use of this Wikispace, individual journals and exercises for sharing.. In developing this learning series I would create a private Wiki allowing individuals to share memories with a greater degree of privacy. The course Wiki will have the following pages:
  1. Welcome Page
  2. Course Content to include an overview of the six weeks
  3. Getting To Know You Discussion
  4. This Week - A detailed description of the work participants will engage in during the week. This would include assignments and links to material needed for the assignment
  5. Archived Weeks - Past assignments and links to resources
  6. This Weeks Discussion - When participants are asked to share information with others they will write to the appropriate discussion page. (Not sure what I will do with past weeks discussion)
  7. Glossary of Terms - List of definitions related to the subject of reminiscence
  8. Resources - Links to resources participants can access if they want additional information

Course Grading

As a community education learning event there is no formal grading. Certificates of completion are provided to those who attend and engage in each of the six sessions.

Evaluation

Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate each of the sessions so that changes can be made for future work. At the end of the six weeks participants will have an opportunity to provide an overall evaluation.